Evaluation of Sexual Function of Women with Primary Sjogren’s Syndrome and Investigation of the Effects of Lubricants on Sexual Drive
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Date
2024
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi
Access Rights
info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
Abstract
Primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes vaginal dryness and dyspareunia secondary to lymphocytic infiltration of exocrine glands. This study aimed to evaluate the sexual functions of premenopausal and postmenopausal women with pSS and to investigate the effects of using polycarbophil-containing vaginal moisturizing gel on sexual function. The study included 24 female patients (mean age 45.1 ± 6.1, range 33 to 54 years) with pSS, who had an active sex life and reported vaginal dryness. The patients were asked to use 1 g of polycarbophil-containing vaginal gel twice per week for 12 weeks. Patients were assessed using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) before and after vaginal lubricant use. All patients underwent full gynecologic examinations. After treatment with vaginal lubricants, significant improvements were observed in the lubrication scores, satisfaction, and pain during intercourse (p=0.032, p=0.002, and p=0.006, respectively). The total post-treatment FSFI score was detected to be higher than the values of pre-treatment [median 22.5 (range, 15.1-32.4) vs. 20 (range, 12.3-28.5), respectively; p=0.004]. Considering the sum and sub-parameters of FSFI in postmenopausal women before and after lubricant treatment, there were significant differences in premenopausal satisfaction, pain reviews, and total FSFI scores (p=0.014, p=0.014, and p=0.032, respectively). The use of polycarbophil-containing vaginal moisturizing gel improved sexual symptoms in women with Sjogren's syndrome, especially in the premenopausal period, without serious adverse effects; therefore, we concluded that non-hormonal polycarbophil-based gel could be used in the treatment of patients with this condition. © 2024, Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.
Description
Keywords
dyspareunia, female sexual function index, local non-hormonal therapy, polycarbophil, Primary Sjogren's syndrome, vaginal dryness, vaginal lubricant gel
Journal or Series
Eastern Journal of Medicine
WoS Q Value
Scopus Q Value
Q4
Volume
29
Issue
2
